The irony was too delicious to pass up: Iran's leaders deride Western social media, and authorities try to block much of it. Yet here was the regime's Top Man showing up to post nostalgic photographs of himself and his friends --- just like you and me --- and to declare the triumph of the "Islamic Awakening" (perhaps not quite like you and me).

The only problem, if you are picky, is that the story probably wasn't new. Pages in Khamenei's name have been on Facebook for years. Reuters saw a distinction this time --- this "appeared to be officially authorised, rather than merely the work of admirers" --- but Iranian media subsequently questioned if the Ayatollah's office was busy making updates and hitting the Like button.

Still, let's not let that ruin our fun. EA's moment of excitement came in August 2009, only two months after the disputed Presidential Election, when the Supreme Leader apparently descended (or ascended, depending on your perspective) on social media and we became his Friend. The page has saddenly disappeared, but we can still cherish the moment from our Archive....

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei apparently has signed up for his own page, complete with appropriately artistic photograph. Don't know if he has poked anyone yet or posted a status update, such as "Wishing Mahmoud Would Get His Cabinet in Order", but he does have 20 friends.

11 August 2009, 1735 GMT: Mir Hossein Mousavi is not yet a friend of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Are you?

1810 GMT: Ayatollah Khamenei reportedly displeased that he shares his Facebook page with ads for "Prostate Treatment" and "Betfair Arcade".

12 August, 0645 GMT: Ayatollah Khamenei reported to be disappointed with score of 105 in SCRABBLE. He can't believe "KHAR" is not allowed in English version.

0745 GMT: Ayatollah Khamenei has accepted our humble request, and one of our EA staff is now among his (34!) friends.

1040 GMT: Supreme Leader considering whether to click on ad on his Facebook page, "Want Six Pack Abs? Feel the burn, shed unwanted pounds, and get ripped." Not sure whether "get ripped" is good or bad thing in current political climate.